Lisbon library patrons check out renovations

By D.A. Wilkinson

wilkinson@vindy.com

LISBON

Despite Monday’s cold weather, the Lepper Public Library was doing big business.

Librarian Nancy Simpson said people were out in the brisk cold to view the ongoing renovations.

But as the temperature rose, people came to see they could now walk through the new front door at ground level. The old library was built with steps long before people thought of handicapped access.

The red-brick and stone Lepper Public Library that was created in 1897 at 303 E. Lincoln Way is undergoing a massive renovation at a cost of about $3 million. The library has no taxing authority, so it saved $1.5 million and obtained a low-cost loan and a grant for the rest.

The library also runs the Bookmobile throughout much of Columbiana County.

Work has now turned to the old part of the library, which will include the new children’s area and the library’s administrative offices. Those areas will be available by an elevator.

Workers on Monday were installing drywall in those areas.

There will be an official opening in April or May to dedicate the renovated library.